If only we knew more. If we really did, we might not need a health department director.

On second thoughts, we could get help from the Immigration Dept and the PDRM!

Sarawak health director blames parents’ ignorance for HFMD spread

August 18, 2012

KUCHING, Aug 18 — Lack of awareness among parents has been identified as a factor contributing to poor control of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), said Sarawak Health Department director Dr Zulkifli Jantan.

He urged parents not to send their children who displayed HFMD symptoms to school or take them to crowded areas, and seek medical attention early.

Schools, on the other hand, should continue the daily screening of children upon arrival and refer those afflicted with HFMD for further assessment by medical practitioners.

“Generally, the number of cases reported in Sarawak during the past week (from August 12-17) has decreased by 32 per cent and remains below the outbreak and warning levels, with no closure order being served on any institution,” he said in a statement here today, on the weekly HFMD updates in the state.

Dr Zulkifli said that as of yesterday, the number of new cases reported was 138, as compared to 203 in the previous week, with 26 admissions reported, mostly from Sibu, Miri and Kuching.

So far, the cumulative number of cases reported was 10,794, including 1,048 admissions throughout the state. — Bernama